Montana off-roaders wary of National Forest travel plan

Montana area off-roaders are apprehensive about a pending plan that would dictate trail use in the Bitterroot National Forest.

The plan has been under development for years. Forest managers have worked to iron out the maps, rules and regulations to govern motorized vehicle use on forest lands, according to KPAX Missoula.

ATV, snowmobile and motorcycle riders fear they will lose riding area, and they face a possible long legal battle involving OHV and environmental groups.

Leaders of the Ravalli County Off Road User Association told Ravalli County Commissioners the National Forest Travel Plan could devastate off-road sports and the millions of dollars it generates for the Bitterroot economy. They say the Travel Plan could cut the available number of ATV and motorcycle trails in half, and close off a third of the roads now available to four-wheel drive vehicles.